Entry- to Mid-Level Hydrogeologist / Geologist
R. W. Harden & Associates, Inc. (RWH&A) is seeking a talented and motivated hydrogeologist / geologist with 0 to 5 years of experience for full-time employment in Austin, Texas. Since 1972, RWH&A has provided hydrogeologic consulting services primarily related to the evaluation of aquifer systems and the effective and efficient development of groundwater resources throughout Texas. RWH&A staff work on a variety of projects in diverse hydrogeologic settings for municipal, private, industrial, and regulatory clients. We are seeking a qualified candidate with strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills who is interested in developing practical experience in groundwater resource investigations, geologic interpretations, water well drilling and construction oversight, well and aquifer testing, and other field-based hydrogeologic projects. This is a field-oriented position that will require frequent travel and significant time at project sites throughout Texas. The successful candidate will work closely with RWH&A project managers and senior hydrogeologists and will be responsible for field observation, documentation, coordination, and oversight of drilling contractors and other field activities. Office responsibilities will include evaluation of field data, preparation of technical reports and figures, hydrogeologic analyses, regulatory support, and other project-related tasks.
Responsibilities
- Perform and coordinate field work associated with hydrogeologic investigations including exploration drilling and testing programs, and well construction projects.
- Provide field observation and oversight of drilling contractors during drilling, well construction, completion, development, rehabilitation, and/or testing/sampling activities.
- Coordinate field activities among contractors, RWH&A project managers, clients, laboratories, and other project personnel.
- Observe drilling operations and document drilling progress, methods, conditions, materials, equipment, and contractor activities.
- Collect, describe, and document drill cuttings and geologic samples, including preparation and maintenance of detailed lithologic and field logs.
- Observe and assist with geophysical logging and interpretation, well construction, casing and screen installation, cementing, well development, and other completion activities.
- Coordinate and perform aquifer testing, well-performance testing, groundwater level monitoring, and water quality sampling.
- Maintain accurate and detailed daily field reports, drilling records, photographs, test data, field notes, and project documentation.
- Provide field observation and documentation of construction activities to assist project managers in evaluating conformance with the Contract Documents, technical specifications, approved submittals, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Review and become familiar with applicable plans, specifications, contract requirements, approved submittals, RFIs, and contractor work plans prior to and during field activities.
- Observe contractor activities and identify and promptly communicate apparent deviations, deficiencies, changed field conditions, or work that may not conform to the Contract Documents to the RWH&A project manager.
- Identify field conditions that differ from project plans or specifications and promptly communicate observations and potential issues to RWH&A project managers and senior staff.
- Communicate professionally with contractors, clients, regulatory representatives, and project personnel while appropriately referring to contractual interpretations, changes in scope, authorization of additional work, and other decisions requiring project-manager approval to senior staff.
- Research geologic and hydrogeologic data from federal, state, county, local, academic, and RWH&A records.
- Prepare technical memoranda and reports, including associated figures, maps, charts, tables, and field documentation.
- Assist with conceptual and numerical groundwater-flow analyses and modeling, as appropriate based on project needs and candidate experience.
- Participate in project meetings with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and RWH&A staff.
Field Work and Travel
The position requires frequent field work and travel throughout Texas and, on occasion, elsewhere. Field assignments may include overnight and multi-day travel and may require extended or non-standard working hours based on drilling, well construction, and/or testing operations. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around active drilling rigs, pumps, heavy equipment, and construction activities. The successful candidate must also be capable of working independently at project sites while maintaining effective communication with RWH&A project managers and senior technical staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hydrogeologic investigation including oversight of drilling and well construction.
- Experience with geologic mapping and geophysical log interpretation.
- Experience with aquifer and well-performance testing and analysis.
- Strong technical writing, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency with ESRITM software and Microsoft® products.
- Experience with groundwater flow modeling, including MODFLOW.
- Experience with computer programming (such as Python, .Net, R, or other similar language) for data analyses and model development.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, engineering, or related field.
- 0 to 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Ability and willingness to perform frequent field work and overnight travel.
- Ability to work independently and responsibly at active project sites.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
We are only able to consider local candidates who can work from our office. We are not set up for remote work or relocation.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Location:
- Austin, TX 78759 (Required)
Work Location: In person
